Smog test again - UGH!

[spidernut]

Here I go again....time for the dreaded California emissions test. Since the car is running fantastic, that means it will fail again.

[hamlet]

This is why I pulled the trigger on that 71 immediately. Not having to worry about smog is so huge to me. Good luck and be sure to warm it up well -- you already know that, though.

[SLOSpider]

Good gas and oil change and if the cat is newer you shouldnt have any problems.

[fiat218]

I'm glad we don't got shit here smog
To damn windy here for smog lol

[spidernut]

SLOSpider - not when it comes to a 79.....with all of the stock vacuum lines, thermal control valves, misc BS and arguably the worst carburetor design put on a Spider, even the Fiat mechanic in reference to the smog test said "I dread it when people tell me they have a 79". I still curse Arnold Schwartzanidiot and Governor Moonbeam for refusing to sign the classic car exemption.

[Baz]

Back in 1985 I owned a 1979 Black anniversary Transam, which I took with me when I left to live in Australia. In Maryland I had to have a smog/polution test to get an inspection through. As Australia did not require all that stuff, I removed the cat and bolted in a 'test pipe', removed the EGR and all the related hose, restrictors etc ( had to advance the timing 9 deg !!!) used up all the unleaded until the tank held no more that about a half to 1 gallon, added a can of octane booster and passed the inspection every time, think about it. Nice to be back on the forum.

[spidernut]

Baz - I hear you loud and clear. My brother has a 79 Trans Am here in California ... just like the Spider, it fails almost every time. They make a few adjustments and it passes. He takes it home and has to put everything back to specs for it to run correctly.

[Baz]

The 1979 was a great car, when I got it to Oz I converted it to RHD and I reckon it handled better, But the difference between the stock unit and the de-pollution control unit it huge. Mine was one of 800 black anniversay models with the HURST 4 speed. Maybe your brother could take all the restriction off, buy a test pipe and have the advantage all year round.

[spidernut]

The the People's Republic of California, you cannot modify your system. You must have all the stock emissions components. I sure wish I could rip all the junk off it! My brother lives here too...same problem with the TransAm.

The good news is that the Spider passed on the first try - I was in shock. The numbers looked fantastic too. I had a great discussion with the tech about why the 79s have so many problems. It was very informative but there were no surprises in his answers.